Alajan (nearside) is tackled by Sir Loujay (eventual winner) at the last© Photo Healy Racing
Davy Russell pulled the race out of the fire when winning the Fairyhouse Racecourse For Fundraisers Beginners Chase at the County Meath track on the evens favourite Shrapnel
The Gigginstown House Stud runner had some smart form in the book over hurdles, but this was his first look at fences and he appeared booked for second when USA swept past.
Barry Geraghty's mount appeared to have the race in the bag, but Russell galvanised the Gordon Elliott-trained market leader, who grabbed the prize by half a length after rallying strongly up the run-in.
Ben Dalton had to display patience as well as finesse as top-weight Sir Loujay wearing a first-time hood, won for only the second time in his career in the Fairyhouse Premier Jump Racing Weekend Handicap Hurdle.
Sean Doyle's seven-year-old (9-2) made rapid progress going to the last after extricating himself from a tight situation, and he collared long-time leader Alajan in the closing stages to win by half a length.
Colm Murphy's 4-1 joint-favourite Top Spin got a nice split going to the last under Mark Walsh in the Become A Member Of Fairyhouse 2014 Handicap Hurdle and having overhauled The Amarillo Kid held the late charge of Fantasy King by a neck.
Oliver Brady's Listowel bumper winner King Shabra (2-1 favourite) scored for the first time over obstacles when proving much too good for the opposition in the Fairyhouse Event Centre Maiden Hurdle, leading from some way out and stretching 22 lengths clear under Ryan Treacy.< Naughty Molly s form looked modest going into the Dunboyne Mares Beginners Chase, but it wasn't a strong contest and Hannah Lee's 8-1 shot made the most of the opportunity in her first-time blinkers, building up a nice lead under Ian McCarthy and holding on by two and three-quarter lengths.
The Follow Fairyhouse On Twitter Maiden Hurdle lost its lustre with the absence of Apache Stronghold, and Paul Nolan's Theatre Mill (7-2) led all the way under Mikey Fogarty to hold favourite Bishopslough his nearest pursuer throughout, by two and three-qu
